The Checkdown

Pushin' Buttons
Previewing EA's NCAA 2010
EA adds the other "E.A." to college football game
By Grant Bachman|Posted 07.08.09

So we are officially six days away from the release of NCAA Gootball 2010 from EA Sports. But for those wanting to get a taste of what is to come, EA has released the demo version on both the XBox Live network and the PS3 Network.

After downloading onto my XBox, I must say one thing: ERIN ANDREWS IS IN THE GAME! Now, normally that would be enough of a review but I feel I must continue ...

08
July
Kobe's got it covered
NBA 2K fans to vote for which Kobe graces cover
By Anthony May|Posted 06.08.09

Is it just me, or is Kobe Bryant everywhere?

Aside from the Lakers' quest for a 15th NBA Championship, Kobe's been on Sesame Street, 'did work' in a Spike Lee joint, been puppet-ized for Nike and was the subject of a Lil' Wayne tribute jam.

And while he may have lost his place on Mickael Pietrus' feet, Kobe has been named as the cover athlete for 2K Sports NBA 2K10....

08
June
'Madden 10' hype keeps building
Top player rankings prompting pointless debate
By Anthony May|Posted 05.27.09

Remember Tecmo Bowl? You could simply mash some buttons and watch Roger Craig dismantle defenses.

Tecmo has since fell to the wayside as the Madden franchise rose to the top of the sports-gaming heap.

But the announcement of Madden 10's top player rankings has even a Madden-junkie like me thinking that the hype has gotten out of hand...

27
May
Masters' putt-putt misses the cut
Video game brings Augusta to life, gamers to tears
By Steve Turney|Posted 04.07.09

Let's face it, in life, there are certain things you never do. Don't put tin foil in the microwave. Don't try to remake classic songs like "Sweet Home Alabama" and "MMMBop". You don't push the big red button, and you do not recreate boring sports in crappy online video games.

Steve Turney reviews ESPN.com's Masters-themed "Putting at Amen Corner"...

07
April
The Guru grades MLB 2K9
2K Sports hits a grand slam with MLB 2K9
By Grant Bachman|Posted 03.11.09

I should have known, once I saw the golden boy Tim Lincecum on the cover, that this was going to be a doozy. Keep in mind I understand that the average video game fan is hard pressed to like any baseball game, heck, I even have a hard time playing baseball games; From the length, to the realistic approach, and the repetitive in-game commentary.

But with MLB 2K9 one word came to mind: Wow...

11
March